Rakuto Fresh Green Maple Spot

Nanzen-ji Temple (Sakyo Ward)

Highlights of Fresh Green Maple at Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple is famous for cherry blossoms, but right after the sakura season, it turns into a beautiful fresh green season. The whole temple area is filled with vibrant green maple leaves.

The most popular spot at Nanzen-ji Temple is the Suirokaku Aqueduct located deeper inside the temple grounds.
It is a retro brick water bridge that carries water from the Lake Biwa Canal.
Autumn leaves are beautiful, but the fresh green looks even better against the old brick structure.

Visitor Information
Hours:
8:40–17:00 (March–November)
8:40–17:00 (December–February)
The Sanmon gate area and Suirokaku area are open during the day

Admission:
Hojo Garden
Adults: 600 yen
High school students: 500 yen
Junior high students: 400 yen

Sanmon Gate
Adults: 600 yen
High school students: 500 yen
Junior high students: 400 yen

Tel: +81-75-771-0365
Address: Fukuchi-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 10-minute walk from Keage Station

Tenju-an Temple (Sakyo Ward)

Highlights of Fresh Green Maple at Tenju-an

Nanzen-ji temple, known as the highest-ranked temple above the Kyoto Five Great Zen Temples, has 14 sub-temples.
Among them, Nanzen-in temple, Konchi-in temple, and Tenju-an temple are open to the public year-round.
All offer beautiful fresh greenery, but Tenju-an temple is the most recommended.

Tenju-an temple has two beautiful gardens: the South Garden of the Shoin, a pond-style strolling garden, and the East Garden of the Hojo, a dry landscape garden.
In the South Garden, you can enjoy the beautiful reflection of fresh green leaves on the pond.

In the East Garden of the Hojo, the bright green leaves stand out beautifully against the pure white sand.
From fresh greenery in spring to colorful leaves in autumn, you can enjoy seasonal changes throughout the year.
The green maple leaves especially blend perfectly with the white sand, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere away from daily life.

Although it is not a large sub-temple, you can enjoy the beauty of fresh greenery in two completely different gardens.

Visitor Information
Hours:
9:00–16:45
Winter (Nov 15 – end of Feb): 9:00–16:30

Admission:
Adults: 500 yen
High school students: 400 yen
Elementary & junior high students: 300 yen

Tel: +81-75-771-0744
Address: Fukuchi-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access:
10-minute walk from Keage Station (subway)
15-minute walk from Nanzen-ji / Eikando-michi bus stop

Tofuku-ji Temple (Higashiyama Ward)

Highlights of Fresh Green Maple at Tofuku-ji Temple

When it comes to famous autumn leaf spots in Kyoto, Tofuku-ji Temple is one of the best.
The view from Tsutenkyo Bridge is well known nationwide for its stunning scenery.

During the peak autumn season, Tofuku-ji Temple becomes very crowded, and photography may even be restricted at Tsutenkyo and Gaunkyo Bridges.
However, in the fresh green season, there are fewer visitors, so you can enjoy the greenery at a relaxed pace.

The highlight of fresh greenery at Tofuku-ji is the view of the Sengyokukan valley, seen from Tsutenkyo and Gaunkyo Bridges, just like in the autumn season.
The scenery looks like a beautiful view floating on a sea of green.
Unlike the falling autumn leaves, the vibrant fresh green has a different kind of beauty.
We highly recommend visiting Tofuku-ji during the green season.

Visitor Information
Hours:
Apr–Oct: 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
Nov–First Sunday of Dec: 8:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
First Sunday of Dec–Mar: 9:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30)

Admission:
Tsutenkyo Bridge & Kaisando Hall
Adults: 600 yen
Children (elementary & junior high): 300 yen

Tofuku-ji Hojo Garden
Adults: 500 yen
Children: 300 yen

Combined Ticket
Adults: 1,000 yen
Children: 500 yen

Tel: +81-75-561-0087
Address: 778 Honmachi 15-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access:
8-minute walk from Keihan/JR Tofukuji Station
8-minute walk from Keihan Tobakaido Station (to Gaunkyo Bridge)

Maruyama Park (Higashiyama Ward)

Highlights of Fresh Green Maple at Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is famous for the Gion weeping cherry tree and is one of Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom spots. As the cherry blossoms reach their peak, fresh greenery begins to appear.

Around Hyotan Pond, on the opposite side of the Gion weeping cherry tree, you can enjoy the vibrant fresh green of willows and maple trees.
The bright, almost fluorescent colors are especially attractive.

Park Information
Hours: Open during the day (free access)
Admission: Free
Address: Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line)

Honen-in Temple (Sakyo Ward)

Highlights of Fresh Green Maple at Honen-in

Honen-in, located at the foot of Mt. Daimonji and a short walk up from the Philosopher’s Path, is a quiet temple.
Unlike the busy autumn season, there are fewer visitors during the green season, so you can enjoy it peacefully.

The approach path is covered in fresh green leaves, making even the air feel green.
Ahead, you can see Honen-in’s iconic thatched gate.

The moss-covered thatched roof matches perfectly with the vibrant fresh greenery.

Visitor Information
Hours: 6:00–16:00
Open Area: Path in front of the main hall is always open
Admission: Free

Tel: +81-75-771-2420
Address: 30 Goshonodan-cho, Shishigatani, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access:
5-minute walk from “Minamida-cho” bus stop (City Bus No. 32)
10-minute walk from “Jodoji” bus stop (City Bus No. 5)

Special Viewing (Temple Buildings)
Hours: 9:30–16:00
Period: April 1–7 and November 1–7 every year
Fee: 800 yen (cultural preservation donation)

Conclusion

Late April to May is the best time to enjoy fresh green maple leaves and also one of the most comfortable seasons of the year.
The weather is pleasant, and the longer daylight hours make it perfect for sightseeing.
Kyoto’s green maples show different expressions each time you visit. Even in the same place, the shades and light of green change depending on the weather, time of day, and viewing angle, offering a new experience every time.

With a sightseeing taxi, you can visit multiple green maple spots easily with guidance from Va driver.
Places famous for autumn leaves are also beautiful during the green season.
There are still many more green maple spots to discover in Kyoto.

With MK’s private sightseeing taxi, you can fully enjoy Kyoto at your own pace.
Why not experience a unique Kyoto trip with professional guides and hospitality experts?